Root AT&T Galaxy S4 I337 on UCUAMF3 Firmware

If you have updated your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 with the latest Android OS, the UCUAMF3 firmware, then you are probably looking for a root method that is suitable with the new software. In that case, you are in the right place as during the following step by step guide I will show you how to easily gain root access on your Galaxy S4 I337. The UCUAMF3 OS had brought a security update to the Android system and all the previous root solutions aren’t working anymore; that’s why you need to use the present guide, this being the only root procedure available so far for the UCUAMF3 platform that runs on your AT&T Galaxy S4.

Root access is maybe the best operation that can be performed on the Android devices; this enables access to the internal system of the handset meaning that you will be able to change settings, improve the performances, upgrade the battery life, personalize the looks and other custom operations. The best is that on rooted phones you can replace the stock recovery for updating with custom ROMs, or for flashing custom kernels (overclock will be then enabled). As you can see, root is a must have, especially if you own a high end device like the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4.

Unfortunately, as you have noticed out, after applying the UCUAMF3, rooting has been impossible. The security update is the same as the one added by Verizon, so now you can figure it out why all the previous root solutions aren’t working for your Galaxy S4 I337. Anyway, fortunately those of xda-developers had found a new way that can be used when trying to unchain the system of your handsets. This new root solution is working perfectly and can be easily performed. Do stay close to the guidelines from below though because the process is still complex and risky, especially if you mess things up.

Why? Well basically because gaining root access is an unofficial operation and because the warranty of your SGS4 will get void while completing this step by step guide. So be careful and try to apply the steps according to the guidelines from below – in this way you will be able to avoid the unpleasant situations. Related to the warranty, yet it will get void but you will be able to restore it; all you have to do is to downgrade your handset to stock Android OS, update with an official OTA release (manually because on rooted phones the official firmware can’t be OTA received or flashed) or perform an un-root operation.

Then, don’t go any further without backing up the Galaxy S4 data. Some of the users who have tested this root method had stated that their data got corrupted or even erased. So, in order to keep your personal info, data and accounts in safe hands, first of all use backup and restore apps from Google Play for saving everything that is important or relevant to you. The best is that after gaining root access you will be able to make easier backups by using a custom recovery image – you will be able to make a Nandroid backup and you will be able to save the EFS folder.

Good, now you are almost prepared for the root operation. First ensure that you can use a computer, your AT&T Galaxy S4 and its USB cable. On the computer all the security programs must be disabled – deactivate the security protection. Also, your device must be fully charged, or at least charge your phone if you notice that there is less than 60% power left. A micro SD card must be inserted on your S4. Before starting the root operation format the SD card to exFAT mode. Furthermore, on your handset go to “Settings -> Applications -> Development” and enable the USB debugging option. Then, on your computer install Android SDK (use this guide for setting up ADB on Windows, or learn how to install Android SDK on MAC OS X / Linux). On the same PC the SGS4 drivers must be installed; if not you can get them through Samsung KIES.

Perfect, you are good to go; remember though that this root guide is suitable only with the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 that runs on stock Android UCUAMF3 firmware. Using this tutorial for rooting a similar or different smartphone will probably brick your Android based device. Also remember that the following root app has been developed by those of xda-developers so thanks them on your way.

How to Root AT&T Galaxy S4 I337 on UCUAMF3 Firmware

First, on your phone download and install the Android Terminal Emulator app from Google Pay (the download link is here).

Select all the files from the new folder and copy-paste them to the phone’s SD card (remember to format it fist).

Unplug the USB cable.

On your Galaxy S4 open the Terminal Emulator.

On the window that opens enter the following commands:” cd /mnt/extSdCard”, “./pwn” and “./script.sh”.

Busybox and SuperSu will be installed on your AT&T SGS4.

Good, you have completed the step by step guide. If you have issues or if there were problems while applying the above explained steps, try to resolve the issues by using this dedicated step by step guide. Also, don’t hesitate and use the comments area from below for sharing your impressions and thoughts with us or with other users who might want to use this tutorial.

Thanks for the walk through. Every time they add a”feature” or something else goes wonky. Hate the way AT&T forces the updates on the devices with no option or even a list of what it will “fix”.
AMF3 made the notification bar transparent, and the mic button in the camera when pressed, will freeze camera up then dumps me out of it. I will let you know how it goes in a few days.

David

When ever I attempt to run ./pwn, I get the error message, “./pwn: can’t execute: Permission denied

nb

same – “./pwn: can’t execute: Permission denied

Bryan

Doesn’t work same permission denied message

Bryan

Can we do a factory reset to get back to older software version that allows rooting?

Surface

No, that isn’t possible

jx

make sure you format the sdcard as exFat. Right click on drive in explorer, choose format, thatn change from ‘Fat’ (default) to exFat filesystem.

SchemeInc

jx is right… you have to format to exFAT.

In order to do this via Windows, you can not have the phone attached to the USB. You have to have the microSD directly attached to the PC (I used an SD adapter). Once you have it directly connected, you will have the option for the filesystem type (doing it via USB when the card is in the phone does not work). Once you do that… the permissions error will not happen and it will work

danny

i fromated to exfat but still get the ssame error when i run the command

tz

Yup it works. Just follow the instructions

bryce

how can I unroot this if needed?

navstar1

Hi, I unrooted my S4 using above steps but I have not flashed any new firmware. How would I completely unroot (reverse the steps you showed), so I am back to before?